Oka Confrontation

Part One:

During the Oka crisis, there were four different times that I identified that the conflict between the Mohawks and the non-native people of that area could have been resolved peacefully.

In 1977, the Mohawks filed a claim on the land outside of Oka, Quebec. This land was important to them as they believed it was a sacred burial ground for their ancestors. It also held a grove of pine trees that had been planted by their ancestors. However, nine years later, in 1986, their claim was turned down on "technical" grounds. If they had been given the land at that time, the whole thing could have been avoided.

On March 8, 1998, the decision was made to expand the golf course onto the land that the Mohawks believed was rightfully theirs. This decision was made without consulting the Mohawks. If they had been consulted, I think that the people of Oka and the Mohawks could have come to a compromise. This would have settled the whole thing peacefully.

On March 10, 1990, the Mohawks built a barricade on the road leading to the land in question. If the officials had taken the opportunity to talk to the Mohawks at this time, I believe they could have reached a peaceful compromise. The Mohawks would have taken down the barricade and gone home, and the whole conflict would have been avoided.

On July 11, 1990, the Police force was called out. The Mohawks at the barricade and the Police sent to stop them had a conflict that resulted in gunfire and the death of a Corporal. If the officials had just listened to the Mohawks, and had just tried to be peaceful and had not sent guns to the barricade with the police, I think that they would have been able to talk it out peacefully, as long as both sides kept a respect for each other. By doing this peacefully, they could have avoided the loss of the police corporal and the tensions that emerged from this situation. They could have had peace.

Part 2:

The Oka Crisis was a black mark in our history that led to a lot of tension between both the Natives and the non Natives. Although the conflict led to the Natives getting better treatment and more equality, we should have given them that from the very start. I think that in order to avoid similar incidents in the future, we need to try to understand them, and not at the point of a gun. By talking to each other and trying to understand each others points of view, we can learn so much more about each other. This can lead to us helping each other. Tensions between the Natives and non Natives have been around for a long, long, time. By listening to each other and reaching peaceful compromises, we can reach a point where these tensions that have been around for so long can be diminished, if not completely gotten rid of.

We need to remember that we are all people and we all have feelings. These feeling have been deeply ingrained in us since we were little children. If we can understand each others feelings, then both the Natives and the Non Natives can learn more about each other. By learning more about each other, we can come to help each other. We all have different beliefs and different cultures. We must not resort to the imperialism of the past and enforce our beliefs on each other as our ancestors did. People often tend to think that their way is better then anyone elses. What we often fail to realize is that different people like to do things in different ways, and quite often, the way you may think is the best turns out to be the best just for you, while someone elses way of doing things is the best for them. If we can learn to accept that the Natives and the non Natives have different ways of doing things, and that we should support them in doing things the way that they want to, then I believe that we should be able to avoid any further confrontations like the Oka crisis. If we can learn to compromise, we will all be better off.

Oka Crisis Timeline

This is a timeline concerning the Major events involved in the Oka Crisis.

1. 1717 - Land outside of Oka, Quebec is claimed by Mohawk First Nations.
2. 1961 - A nine hole golf course was built on a portion of this land. Mohawks protested, but the golf course had already been built.
3. 1977 - Mohawks file claim on land outside of Oka, Quebec.
4. 1986 - Federal Office of Native Claims turns down Mohawks claim on land on technical grounds.
5. March 8, 1989 - Announcement is made that the golf course will be expanded onto the Mohawk First Nations rightful land.
6. March 10, 1990 - Mohawk Nations Barricade the road leading to the land in question
7. March 11, 1990 - Mohawks start to occupy this land to protect their rights.
8. April 1, 1990 - 300 Mohawk First Nations protest the golf course expansion through the streets of Oka.
9. July 11, 1990 - Police intervene; a gunfight is started and Corporal Marcel Lemay of the Surete du Quebec police force is shot and killed.
10. July 15, 1990 - Police are replaced by the Canadian Armed Forces.
11. August 29, 1990 - Mohawks negotiate with a Corporal. In this negotiation they give up their biggest bargaining chip, the bridge, allowing traffic to start flowing again.
12. September 25, 1990 - Final conflict takes place when Mohawk warrior lights all the flares set up by the army. The army fires a hose at him, but it wasn't high pressure enough to disperse the crowd that had gathered. The Mohawks retaliated by launching water balloons at the army.
13. September 26, 1990 - Mohawks take apart their guns and throw them in the fire, ceremoniously burned tobacco, then marched back to the reserve. Many were detained by Canadian forces.

The Oka Crisis

In March 1990, in Oka, Quebec, plans for the extension of a golf course were made. The Mohawk First Nation's felt that this was their land. They set up a barricade on the roads leading to this land. Many Mohawk protestors walked the streets. The Oka police force were called in, then the RCMP. Later, the Canadian Army was called in. Gunfire was exchanged between the two groups, and a Corporal from the police force was shot and killed in the chaos. People across Canada were shocked by this display. Other First Nations Groups across Canada protested. I think that the reasons the Oka Crisis got so out of hand was because the Mohawks should have owned that land to begin with, the Mohawks were not consulted about building the golf course, and both the Mohawks and the Police should have tried to solve the problem peacefully.

The area of land outside of Oka, Quebec is very important to the Mohawk First Nations. They believe that this area of land is a burial ground and the location of a sacred grove of pine trees planted by their ancestors. The Mohawks have claimed this land since 1717, and it is a very historic place to them. In 1986 the federal Office of Native Claims turned down their claim on the land, but the Mohawk's they still maintained that the land was theirs by right. I think that the land should have been given to the Mohawks since they had been their for a long time and it was very important to them.

The Mohawks should have been consulted about the idea of building a golf course. Even if they didn't own the land, it is important to them and they should have some say in the matter. Instead, the Mayor of Oka made the plans to expand the golf course without even recognizing the Mohawk Nation. I think that the Mohawks were a big part of that lands history. As I stated before, they lived there much longer then any of the white people and they should have been a big part of the decision making process about whether or not to build a golf course.

This problem could have been solved much more peacefully. The Mohawks had been ignored for a long time, so when they set up the blockade and protested, they finally got some attention. However, when the police showed up, they launched tear gas and concussion grenades at the blockade. Many people tried to stone some of the natives, and many natives were roughed up. The chaos created resulted in a corporal of the police force getting killed. I think that the armed forces shouldn't have tried to settle the matter forcefully, but should have listened to the protestors and tried to understand and help them.

The Oka Crisis was a sad mark on Canada's History. Our treatment of the Mohawks was not a good thing, and many bad things resulted from it. I feel that the land should have been the Mohawks to start with. Also, the Mohawks should have been consulted about the plans for the golf course. Finally, violence is almost never the answer, and it should not have been what we resorted to to solve this crisis.

Potlatch Art

Canada and India

Canada and India were both influenced by the imperialistic attitude of the British. They came into both countries, and tried to force the Native people of those lands to do things their way. In many ways they were successful, but in many ways they were not. The British had a goal to colonize these two countries. They told the people that they were in charge now and they better do what they say. They put many of the Natives in reform schools, in which they taught them European ways and beliefs. The British tried to take away the traditional culture of the Natives, and instead impose their culture on them. They thought that their values and way of life were much better, so they believed they were doing the Natives a favor and bettering their way of life. One of the biggest sources of this Imperialism came from the East India Trading Company. However, the native people didn't think so. They liked their way of life and their cultural beliefs. In India, one pacifist leader called Mahatma Gandhi was opposed to the rule and imposition of culture that the British were enforcing. He believed it was unjust.

The British imperialism wasn't all bad. They brought many great things to Canada and India. For example, they brought guns that helped the Natives to hunt more efficiently. They also started a new education system and were able to teach the Natives many things. They also brought things such as medicine that helped stop disease from wiping out whole tribes and villages. These things helped to improve the way of life that the Natives had.

However, in spite of the good, British imperialism in Canada and India had many downsides. Children were taken away from their families and put in reform schools. This happened so that they the Natives would get British culture and belief ingrained in them at a young age. The Native people were treated very poorly by the British. They were looked down on and were often not treated with respect.

Australia's and Canada's Imperialistic Policies

Australia and Canada both have histories of imperialistic attitudes. These attitudes were directed towards the native Aboriginal people that originally lived in these countries. In both cases, Europeans came in and took over, forcing the Aboriginals off the land that they had originally lived on.

Canada was seen as a new world, so many people came to it for land and resources. Resources such as beavers were hunted to make hats, and buffalo were hunted for sport. Forts, towns, and buildings were built in strategic locations, often taking over part of the Natives traditional hunting and living grounds. The land and resources were depleted, taking much away from the traditional lifestyle of the natives.

Australia was used as a dump for European criminals. They came in and took over, building towns and cities. They started hunting the wild game, depleting many of the resources that were of importance to the way of life that the Aboriginals had.

The Europeans claimed much of the land, a concept that made no sense to the Native people of both Canada and Australia, who did not believe in owning land. Both countries forced the Natives into reforming schools and reserves, taking away much of their freedom. The Aboriginals had to change many of their ways since the Europeans made it impossible for them to practice their traditional cultural beliefs. The imperialistic attitudes of the past have led to much heartache today, as Natives are often treated with disrespect and rudeness.

Capitalism

Capitalism is an economic system in which the main focus is increasing individual wealth. It requires a free market, open competition, a profit motive, and at some private ownership in the means of production. Their are many adbvantaages and disadvantatges to this economic system. However, I feel that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. For one thing, capitalism provides valuable goods and services. It rewards hardworking people. It also creates a higher standard of living for all.

Capitalism allows people to have private businesses. These private businesses have the freedom to produce and provide whichever goods or services that they want. Quite often, these businesses focus on the one product or service. They become very good at providing and producing that good/service. They want to be the best in their field, because then more people will buy from them and they will make the most money. Making money is basically the point of capitalism.

Another benefit of capitalism is that those that are willing to work hard get rewarded. This happens because those that work hard and do the work required to create a good product produce the best goods. As a result of this, they make the most money. This is a good motivator because it teaches people to work hard; a value that is very important in life. Those that are willing to work hard to get something deserve it, and those that are not willing to work hard do not deserve it.

Capitalism creates a higher standard of living for many people. Having a high standard of living is a good thing because it usually means you have the means to and are able to live a good and comfortable life. Capitalism creates a large number of goods and services that are of a high quality. This allows the people to have more of a selection of goods and services. These goods and services benefit the lives of all the people who are able to attain them.

Capitalism has many aspects that are both good and bad. However, I believe that the good of capitalism outweighs the bad. It provides valuable goods and services. It rewards those that are willing to work hard, something that promotes hard work. It also creates a high standard of living. In my opinion, Capitalism is a good thing that can help a society to have better lives.

A Dummy's Guide to Eurocentrism

Have you ever wondered what Eurocentrism is? Here are 20 points to help you understand Eurocentrism.

1. "Euro" means Europe, so Eurocentrism has to do with Europe.
2. "Centrism" means centered, so Eurocentrism has to do with everything being centered -around something.
3. Put them together and "Eurocentrism" means that everything is centered around Europe.
4. Eurocentrism is the belief that Europe is better then all other countries.
5. It is the belief that European values and beliefs are better then other countries.
6. It is the belief that the languages, customs, attitudes, and behaviors of Europe are superior to any others.
7. It often excludes other cultures in a society because it is focusing on Europe.
8. Eurocentrism tends to view the world through its ideas and terms.
9. It tends to believe that other nations are uncivilized compared to themselves.
10. It often believes in the need to implant European cultures and beliefs into other countries to improve them.
11. The Eurocentrism of the past led to Europe's exploration and colonization of many countries in the world.
12. The Eurocentrism of the past led to Europe not allowing their colonies to industrialize because they didn't want them to become competitors.
13. Eurocentrism of the past led to almost the whole world having trade routes that led to and were owned by Europe.
14. It led to European countries increasing their wealth because of their trade monopoly.
15. It led to Europeans using the resources of different countries for their purposes without regard to the natives that already lived there.
16. The Eurocentrism of Europe led to European Imperialism, during which time Europe took over much of the world.
17. European Imperialism led to colonies owned and governed by European countries.
18. It led to protectorates that were area's that kept their customs but were owned and protected by European countries.
19. It led to sphere's of influence that were area's that European countries attempted to control politically and economically.
20. European imperialism stemmed from the European countries trying to out do each other by taking over other countries.

So basically, Eurocentrism is the belief that Europe is the best.

The Silk Road

It is so easy to go anywhere or get anything from anyplace. Modern technology allows us to do practically anything within a couple days. However, it wasn't always this easy. There was a time when travel was by caravan and it took weeks to go anywhere. Caravans with many people and animals would carry goods across Europe and Asia to get to their destination so they could sell their goods. Eventually, all this trade led to one major road that went everywhere in Eurasia. This was called the Silk Road. It had a big impact and caused many major changes. It connected everyone in Eurasia. It became a communications highway. It also caused many technologies to be passed between societies.

The Silk Road was really a whole bunch of different routes all across Europe and Asia. It eventually got so big that it stretched form the Roman Empire in the West all the way to the China in the East. It had many different roads that went to many different places. In this way, the world as they knew it became connected. There were so many travelers on the roads that it was easy to get from one place to another. It gathered the ancient world and allowed the people and their countries to grow closer together.

The Silk Road became a major communications link between different places. Numerous contacts would be formed between different countries and people of diverse cultures as different people traded their goods. Many of these contacts came into being as goods would move down the road through trade, exchange, gift giving, and the payment of tribute. These goods would go many places, connecting the different countries of the ancient world. They taught people many things and allowed them to gain a better understanding and knowledge of diverse countries.

The Silk Road also caused many technologies to be passed from one place to another. People would take the things they had seen and apply them in their own homes. They would buy or trade for foreign objects such as astrolabes, compasses, and gunpowder. They would then use these objects in their own lives, slightly changing their way of life. In this way, the Silk Road caused a huge transfer of technology in Europe and Asia.

The Silk Road caused many important changes to occur in the Ancient World. It connected many countries in Europe and Asia. It also was a major communications highway between countries. It caused a huge transfer of technology between countries in the Ancient World. The Silk Road changed much in the way of ancient trade for the better.

Sudan

Sudan has been ruled by Britain since in 1881, at which time Britain colonialized Sudan. However, in 1899, Britain and Egypt made a deal and agreed to rule Sudan together. They ruled for over 20 years, but then they thought of something else. In the 1920's, they started a closed door policy. This was established to keep the people and cultures of North and South Sudan away from each other. The people in North Sudan were mostly of Arab descent, while the people in South Sudan were primarily African. They were kept separate. However, Sudan gained independence from Britain and Egypt in 1956. They got rid of the closed door policy, reuniting North and South. The power was handed to the Arabs from the North, so they ruled the people. They thought that Sudan was an Arabic country, so they began to force the South to do things their way. They imposed Islamic culture and religion on the Africans. Those who protested this act and resisted were stripped of many of their rights. Cultural, racial, and religious tensions were created as a result of these policies. Eventually, a civil war erupted causing many of Sudan's indigenous people of the South to be displaced and their population to decrease. I don't know what can be done to rectify this situation, but I think that if the North and South can figure out a way to work together, we can stop the crisis in Sudan.

Potlatch

Before the Europeans arrived in Canada, the Pacific Coast Native Americans had a cultural thing called a potlatch. This was basically a party at which they celebrated things of importance to their tribe. Different First Nations held their potlatches for different reasons, and they held them in different ways. They were usually held to mark important family occasions. Births and marriages were two of these important family occasions. They were also held to maintain or start alliances and relationships with different First Nation Tribes. They did different things at these potlatches, such as dance, sing and tell stories about the history of their nations. It was customary for the person who hosted the potlatch to display their generosity and wealth by giving away possessions and food to everyone in attendance. This generosity often left the host in poverty. In return, other families would hold a potlatch and give their stuff away. This was a great way for different First Nations families to establish themselves in their communities.

The Potlatches held by Pacific Coast First Nations are kind of like potlucks that we hold today. However, instead of one person giving everything away, everyone gives a little away, usually food of some sort. This allows us to enjoy other people's things while still maintaining our wealth and possessions.

The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay

Questions:

1) The olympic torch will pass through Lethbridge. This is the closest city to my home that the torch will pass through.

2a)

• The Priestess lights the greek torch using a trick with mirrors and the sun.
• The Priestess lights the olympic torch with the greek torch.
• The first torch carrier runs down a crowded street with bodyguards. He holds the torch high as people cheer all around him.

2b) The photo with the priestesses makes me feel sentimental as we connect the olympics with the previous Greek olympics. The photo of the torch getting lighted makes me feel very excited and proud to be Canadian and to have the olympics here this year. The runner holding the torch high makes me feel happy that people are excited enough about this that they would line the streets to cheer.

2c) The photos make me wonder who they got to be the Greek priestesses. Were they hand picked, was it a contest, or are they just volunteers?

2d) The main Greek Priestess is an actress who was born and lives in Athens, Greece. Her name is Maria Nafpliotou. I was unable to discover who the other priestesses were.

3) If the olympic torch were to pass through or near my community, I would definitely go and see it. It would be incredible to see the torch run through because it is a big deal for Canada to be holding the olympics. This doesn't happen very often, so it is a great opportunity. Also, by going to see the torch, we are supporting and encouraging the Canadian athletes who will be participating in the olympics. By going to see the torch, it is almost like you are a part of the 2010 olympics in Canada.

Trip of a Lifetime: I voted in the poll.

European Exploration of North America

Many different European nations were apart of the exploration of North America. Many of them sent forth different explorers, most of whom made contact with the first nations and discovered many things about the new land. Some of these explorers included Christopher Columbus who sailed from Spain in 1492, John Cabot who sailed from England in 1497, Jacques Cartier who sailed from France in 1534-1535, Hernando De Soto who sailed from Spain in 1539, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado who sailed in 1540-1542 from Spain, Henry Hudson who sailed in 1609 from England, Samuel de Champlain who sailed in 1609-1616 from France, and Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet who sailed in 1673 from France. All of these explorers were very influential in the discovery and colonization of North America. Although there were many more explorers, the majority of them came from England, France, and Spain.

The effects that came from this interaction of the European explorers and the First Nations people are still evident today in many ways. For example, the horse is very prominent in First Nations societies, but the horse actually came from European history. When they came across the ocean, they brought horses with them, introducing the animal to the First Nations people. They also brought things like guns and metal knifes, both of which are still used today by both First Nations and Europeans.

Many European nations were involved in the exploration and colonizations of North America as well as other places in the world such as India, Australia, and New Zealand. This exploration of the world by different European nations has helped lead to the colonization of the world.

Secularism in France

In 2004, the French Government passed a law banning religious symbols in school areas. This included Christian crosses, a Muslim hijab, a Jewish yarmulke, and any other type of religious attire. Students wearing this attire could be punished, or even expelled. I think that this is a very unfair law and it should be done away with. Religious items are a very important part of many peoples cultural identity. They reflect what you believe in and what you value.

France has a long history of secularism. They have been trying to have distinct and total separation between state institutions and religion for many years. They have made it so that religious symbols are not permitted in any state funded buildings. This may be a good thing for it will help protect people from discrimination based on religion, but it will also interfer with a students right to free education and a students right to freedom of thought and religious expression. This law was also passed to promote the integration of different religions in French society. The youth forced to follow this law will grow up used to not wearing relgious symbols, so they will be less likely to wear religious items in the future. As a result, the youth will integrate with each other as they will not have a choice in the matter.

I think that this law is not a good thing as it will diminish the cultural identity, and religious identity of many people.

The Lubicon Land Claims

The Lubicon Lake Nation has lived on traditional Lubicon lands in Northern Alberta for many years. However, when the demand for oil increased because of the growing economy, Deep Well Oil and Gas leased the traditional Lubicon Lands from the province of Alberta, and began to clear the forest in this area. The province had leased the land to Deep Well Oil and Gas, even though the Lubicon people lived there. The Lubicon Lake Nation protested this action for legal, territorial, and environmental reasons.

In 1939, the government of Alberta visited the Lubicon Lake and decided that the Lubicon's were entitled to a reserve. However, WWII interrupted these plans, and the Lubicon reserve was put on hold. Some years after the war ended, the government discovered a large oil reserve at Lubicon Lake. Due to this find, they were unwilling to give the Lubicon's a reserve like they had promised. Instead, about 400 oil wells were dug on this land between 1979 and 1982. After about 70 years, the Alberta Government still refuses to give the Lubicon's their reserve.

The Lubicon Lake Nation has lived at Lubicon lake for about a century. They have raised many generations there, and that is where their roots are. When Alberta's government found oil on that land, they went in and started digging, practically kicking the Lubicon nation off of the land that they have lived on for many years. They disrupted their way of life. Although the Lubicon's never officially owned the land, it should have rightfully been theirs, since the government went back on their promise to the Lubicon's.

When 400 oil wells were dug between 1979 and 1982, they were dug within 24km of the Lubicon community. This disrupted the Lubicon's environmentally in a very big way. The moose population died down considerably, causing the local trappers to go from about $5000-$400 in their sales. This loss of income resulted in over 90% of the people living on social assistance. In 2005, when Deep Well Oil and Gas began clearing forest for oil wells, they caused many environmental problems as well such as a loss of natural habitat. They came in and ruined part of the land after they broke their agreement to put the Lubicon's on a reserve.

The Lubicon Lake Nation has lived on that land for over a century. They have tried over and over to get a reserve for themselves, but the government has kept putting this off because of the large oil supply on their land. The Lubicon's have been hurt legally, territorially, and environmentally because of the government. They have been there a long time and they have been ignored for a long time. I think that Lubicon lake Nation has been through enough, and they deserve a reserve.

National Sorry Day

Every year in Australia, on May 26, National Sorry Day is held. It is a day in which the people come together to remember the Indigenous Australians who were taken from their families; the stolen generations. These children were taken from their families to be assimilated during the 1950's and 1960's. They were brought up in institutions or by non-Indigenous families. This was official government policy in Australia until 1969. In the 1980's, welfare groups started to speak out against this practice. They said the government had been discriminating against the Indigenous people and that they should apologize. In 1999, The government issued a statement of regret for what they had done. However, they did not apologize. Many groups continued to protest, saying that the government needed to apologize. On February 13, 2008, Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd officially apologized to Australia's Indigenous people, especially the stolen generations. They even proposed for a stop to the differentiating between life expectancy, educational achievement, and economic opportunity between indigenous and non- indigenous Australians. Now every year on May 26, all Australian's, both Indigenous and Non-indigenous remember the stolen generation. They have barbecues, concerts, street marches, flag raising events, dinners, and speeches from community leaders. Schools have essay contests and show films. Thousands of Australians sign "sorry books", books filled with the apologies of many different people. All of this is done in an effort to say sorry.

Aboriginal names in sports

Aboriginal Sport Names

Article #1:

-Hyperlink: http://thesportdigest.com/article/aboriginal-stereotypes-sports-intentions-gone-horribly-wrong

-Title: The Sport Digest

-Publisher: United States Sports Academy

-Ariticle Type: This is a secondary source because the author is explaining other peoples feelings about the use of aboriginal names for sports teams.

-F vs O: Opinion based on fact. It is the opinion of the author that it is wrong to use names from aboriginal culture as the name of sport teams. the authors opinion is based on the fact that many people don't appreciate their name used for sports teams, and many other people think its perfectly fine.

-Facts: Many teams are called names from other cultures. Many people find this use of their names to be offensive. Many people think the use of these names is perfectly fine.

-Opinions: It is racist to call teams after things from other cultures. Teams shouldn't be called names after other cultural things.

-Credibility: I feel that this is a reliable source because it is an official sports webpage and it has many references listed.

Article #2:

-Hyperlink: http://www.bluecorncomics.com/mascots.htm

-Title: Team Names and Mascots

-Publisher: Robert Schmidt

-Author: Dr. Cornel Pewewardy (Comanche / Kiowa)

-Article Type: This is a primary source, because the author is a native writing about schools and teams using aboriginal names and how he and others feel about that.

-F vs O: This article is made up of a whole bunch of opinions about aboriginal stereotype, based on the facts about aboriginal stereotype.

-Facts: Many people think its okay to use names from aboriginal cultures as team names. There are many teams called things like Indians, Braves, and Chiefs. Many people feel that having these names is direspectful. Many places use Aboriginal outfits for there mascots

-Opinions: Having these names is disrespectful. Having mascots dressed as natives is disrespectful.

-Credibility: I feel that this is a reliable source because it is written by an aboriginal doctor, so he knows what he's talking about.

Article #3:

-Hyperlink: http://www.aimovement.org/ncrsm/index.html

-Title: American Indians are People, Not Mascots

-Publisher: National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media

-Author: Charlene Teters, Vice President of the National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media (NCRSM)

-Type: This is a primary source because it is from the VP for the NCRSM, a coalition working to stop the racism towards the Natives.

-F vs O: This article is also of the opinion that teams and mascots should not use aboriginal names. It is based on the fact that many teams are called aboriginal names and many people find that disrespectful, while many others don't care.

-Facts: Many teams are called aboriginal names. Many places use aboriginal characters for their mascots. Many people find this disrespectful. Many people don't care either way.

-Opinions: It is racist to call teams after aboriginal names. It is racist to use aboriginal characters for mascots.

-Credibility: I feel that this is a credible source because it was written by the VP of a coalition that is working to stop the racism.

The poll

I voted in the poll on whether or not Laura Dekker should sail solo around the world.

Kids and Choices

I think that, in the end, it usually boils down to the child having the last choice. However, that choice is usually affected by what the parents have taught the child, and what their wishes are. I think that although the child has the last choice, it might as well be the parent, because kids often do what their parent wants to avoid getting in trouble. The child has the choice, but the parent has choices also. They can choose to punish the child if they think the child made the wrong decision. Usually the parents are right. They have already been kids. They know what is best for their kids. I think that although the child has the last choice, it is often actually the parent who is making the choice for their child.

Nobel Prizes

The Nobel Prize is awarded to those individuals or societies who have made a difference. They are awarded for contributions in chemistry, physics, literature, peace, and physiology or medicine. They Prizes were created in 1895 by Alfred Nobel. It was his will that the prizes should be awarded to those who help society. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded to the individual or society that has put a large amount of work into creating peace between nations. The Peace Prize has been awarded to 96 individuals and 20 organizations since 1901. In order to receive a Nobel Peace Prize, you must be nominated by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, a committee appointed for this purpose by the Norwegian Parliament.

There are a large variety of people who have won a Nobel Prize. Those who have won it this year include Elizabeth H. Blackburn, Carol W. Greider and Jack W. Szostak for discoveries in Physiology or Medicine. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, Thomas A. Steitz and Ada E. Yonath won for discoveries in Chemestry. Charles K. Kao, Willard S. Boyle and George E. smith won for discoveries in Physics. Herta Muller won for her writings in Literature.

Free the Children and We Day Vancouver

We Day Vancouver and Free the Children is a program to help raise awareness about what is happening in other countries. In other countries, many children do not have the things that they need. They have no educational opportunities, no clean food, and no water. We Day Vancouver gathered 16 000 youth together for a rock concert that promoted awareness about the situations in other places. Other places have been doing things like trick or treating for non perishable food items or running food drives. Free the children is the program that inspired all of this in an effort to help the children.

Moana Maniapoto

Q#1

Moana Maniapoto is a Maori songwriter, performer, and activist. She wrote a song called, "Moko" about the importance of Ta Moko in the Maori culture. In this song, she makes it very clear what the difference is between Ta Moko and tattoos. Ta Moko symbolizes the religion, war, death, love, life, genealogy, rank, accomplishment, masculinity, beauty, warrior hood, identity and many other aspects of the life of a person. It is important to understand the difference, because tattoos are merely decoration, while Ta Moko sybolizes everything that the Maori are. In her song "Moko", Maniapoto includes many facts that bring to life the importance of the Ta Moko to the Maori people. I think that she is directing this message to the people who do not understand the importance of the Ta Moko.

Q#2

In Maniapoto's song, she uses mainly facts. This makes the song more touching because it the facts make it more realistic and important to the people listening to it.

Q#3

Maniapoto seems to think that globalization is not a good thing. However, she seems to want to send her message to the world. She has many songs on things like free trade, Timor, and maori traditions. She does not want people mistaking an important part of her culture, the Ta Moko, for something else, like tattoos. I think that she wants to keep her cultural identity, and thinks that globalization will take it away from her.

Sukhbir

Sukhbir Singh is a very popular Indian singer. He sings a type of music called Bhangra which is a mixture of fusion and Punjabi. He has been labeled the Prince of Bhangra and is very popular in the Indian Pop scene. He has many hit songs and is definitely not a one hit wonder. So where did this guy come from?

Sukhbir was born in Jalandhar, Punjab. At the age of one and a half he moved to Nairobi, Kenya where his father was a priest at the local Gurudwara. It was here that Sukhbir apprenticed and worked on his voice by practicing kirtans on the harmonium. After twenty years in Nairobi, Sukhbir moved back to India where he decided to try and to make a living with his music. He got this idea to depend on his music when business man Ketan Somaiyya discovered him and suggested it. Supported by his father, Sukhbir began recording music in 1996.

Sukhbir' s first album was titled New Stylee and was immensely popular. It was recorded in Dubai and had many foreign languages and songs in it. He was nominated for many awards. He published many more albums with many hit songs that were all huge successes. His Bhangra is immensely popular because of the many different styles he uses. His music is filled with fusion, rap, techno, and reggae. He can sing in 9 different languages, including his native Punjabi that he spoke growing up. He has won many different awards and sung with many other Indian musicians. Sukhbir is very popular and is definitely the Prince of Bhangra.

Walmart vs. Unions

We have all shopped at Walmart. It's cheap, it's a one stop shop, and it is always there. However, Walmart is not as perfect as it seems. Their workers are paid low wages, they buy goods cheap from China, which does not help support Canadian businesses, and not one of Walmart's stores are unionized. Walmart is most definitely opposed to unions. In 2005, a Walmart in Quebec became unionized. It was shut down, causing many workers to lose their jobs. The big question is if Walmart's lack of unions hurting the success of its commercial activities? Sadly I think it isn't. It still gets about 52% of the population to shop there, because its prices are still some of the cheapest, people love the the one stop shop, and people like how it hires those who normally couldn't get jobs elsewhere.

Most people shop at Walmart because of the low prices. It may not be the best quality, but it's cheap. What they don't realize is why it has cheap prices. Walmart buys it's goods from places like China, for really inexpensive rates. They then sell them for a higher rate, that is still cheaper then other places. Walmart also pays their workers very low wages, because they don't have unions to fight for them. This allows Walmart to keep their prices lower because they don't have to pay their workers as much money.

Walmart has almost everything. From clothes to outdoor equipment, it is the easiest place to go for a one stop shop. There are also super Walmarts, that sell groceries as well as all the the original products and goods. Many people don't want to take the time to go to a clothing store, a grocery store, and any other stores that they need to stop at. If they go to Walmart, they' can get everything at once. They can even get gas as most Walmarts. It seems that Walmart has everything.

People see how Walmart hires the young and the elderly, the crippled and the handicapped. They think how nice it is of Walmart to do this, and they continue to shop there. I am glad that Walmart gives jobs to people who normally couldn't get them elsewhere. However these people are barely paid minimum wage. They are often given inconvenient hours. Walmart does give people jobs, but at what cost?

I think that people shop at Walmart because they don't know about what it does, or they don't care. They don't care that the people are paid low wages because they don't have unions to fight for them. Sadly, people continue to shop at Walmart because of the low prices, it's a one stop shop, and it hires those unable to get other jobs. Many people may not have a choice in the matter. They may be poor and unable to shop elsewhere. I understand that, but still, 52% of the population is shopping at Walmart. This means that other stores are not getting as much because people sacrifice quality over cost. In my opinion, Walmart's lack of unions is not hurting their commercial activities, a fact that I find rather sad.

Turmoil in Iran

I am going to imagine that I live in Iran. It's the week after the June 12 elections, and my best friend just told me that she wants to join the protests against the government. The protesters are in a lot of danger. Many are being killed or injured. However, the government is running a scam and needs to be stopped. I would tell my friend to join in the protest, but be very careful. I would tell her this because I believe that the present government is doing some things that I think should be stopped, I think she should stand up for what she believes in, and I don't think the government should walk all over the people.

Iran's nuclear plants are one part of the problem. Mr. Ahmadinejad, the new president of Iran, says the plants are only interested in producing enriched uranium. However, western countries are worried that Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons. The president has also faced opposition in his own government. He is losing allies over the nuclear plants as well as other things. The government is being torn apart from the inside as well as the outside. They are not going to be able to run this country if things continue how they have been.

I think that my friend should stand up for what she believes in. You can't let people push you around, and the government of Iran is pushing everyone in that country around. They are like the big bad bullies on the playground. I don't think that my friend should allow them to continue this unfair and unjust treatment of the people. Instead, she should stand up for what she believes in and fight against this unfair government action.

The government of Iran is used to walking all over the people and having the people doing nothing. However, most of the population of Iran is very young. They have modern devices that allows them to see what life is like in other places. They won't allow the government to walk all over then. However, the government is doing just that by appointing the former president Mr. Ahmadinejad to a second term of government. I feel that it is obvious that the popular Mr. Mousavi should have at least come closer then he did, if not winning the whole thing. However, the government doesn't care. They are going to put who they want to put into the office of president. I believe that the people cannot allow that to happen.

Iran is in turmoil, and someone has to do something about it. If fixing this problem means protesting against the government openly, then so be it. I think my friend should join the protest to stop the present problems going on in Iran, stand up for what she believes, and stop the government from walking all over the people. This will be dangerous, but I think that if she is careful, it will be worth it in the end.

H1N1 Poll

I voted in the H1N1 poll at www.news4youth.com .

H1N1 Flu Virus

The H1N1 flu virus, more commonly known as "swine flu", is a great cause of concern among many people. It is an influenza that was transported from swine to humans. It is a severe illness that can even result in death. Approximately 1,462 people worldwide have died from the H1N1 flu virus. However, experts say that about 98 percent of the people who get infected by this virus will recover quickly.

Although uncertain of the exact method the H1N1 virus spreads between humans, it is believed it spreads the same way as the traditional flu; through germs entering the nose and throat. To help avoid the spread of this infection, it is recommended that you wash your hands often using warm soapy water, cough and sneeze into your arm rather then your hand, stay home if you are sick, and keep objects and surfaces that are used often clean and disinfected.

A vaccine has not yet been discovered for the H1N1 flu virus, and it is unlikely that the seasonal flu shot will keep you safe from the virus. Since there is no vaccination, it is recommended that we take precautions against the virus.

The symptoms of this virus include fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and lack of appetite. If you have these symptoms, you should seek medical consultation as soon as possible.

No one really knows what will happen with the H1N1 flu virus. Many expect it to just die off, while many others believe it will escalate quickly during the flu season. Although the WHO has declared the virus to be a pandemic, they do not want anyone to panic. They say that if we take appropriate measures, we should be safe from the H1N1 flu virus.

I Am Canadian

I am Canadian and I am proud of it. I love Canada. I love the extreme weather. I love how we welcome immigration. I love the identity and unity we feel when we hear the word, "eh". Canada has many things to offer, and I am glad to be a part of it.

Canadian weather can be very extreme. It can be -40 degrees Celsius with hundred km/hour winds, snow and ice blowing everywhere. Or it can be 35 degrees Celsius with not even a faint breeze. It can rain for weeks on end, or have a huge drought. Now this weather might not be very different from many other places. The interesting thing is what season this extreme weather occurs in. Snow might not fall till around December, but it might keep snowing right through May. It rains all summer, and then is stifling hot during the fall. Then there is the wind. From warm Chinooks to cold northern wind, Canada has a large abundance of windy weather.

Another thing I love about Canada is our welcoming of immigrants. We allow immigrants from all over the world to come into our country and make their home here. They are protected and cared for, and we welcome them here. We offer them homes and occupations. We also allow them to keep their cultural beliefs and traditions. We don't force them to accept Canadian ideals.

The third thing I love about Canada is the saying of the word "eh". It can mean so many different things. It is a question, a greeting, and an agreement, as well as a large abundance of other things. I feel that this is something that brings us together as Canadians. Not everyone says "eh", but it is one thing that we can look on with fondness. It makes us different, and allows us to feel unified as a country.

I love Canada. From our extreme weather, to our welcoming of other nations, to our saying "eh", it is an amazing country. It is a home in which we as a people can join together using simple and familiar objects. It is a place where we can look up and see the maple leaf flying high above us and feel proud to be Canadian. We are a peaceful country, and we love it here, eh?

Hello!

Hello! My name is Jasmine and I am doing this blog for educational reasons. In other words, this is a school assignment for September Social Studies. :)